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Marmot Super Mica Jacket

This jacket hits a backpacking trifecta sweet spot: ultralight, ultracompact, and ultrawaterproof.
Photos and text by Will Rochfort
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  • The Super Mica is a durable, waterproof/breathable jacket that doesn't even hit nine ounces on the scale. It's loaded with features you'd expect from burlier jackets, but it's so light that you won't even think twice about tossing it in your pack.
  • It's also ultracompact. This jacket rolled up so small that I could even stuff it in my back pocket for quick jaunts up to a windy ridgeline.
  • Breathability is superb. Despite pounding uphill in the Ritter Range, I didn't even need the pit zips. The mesh-lined front pockets, which thankfully are reachable with a pack on, also double as vents should things get especially heated up.
  • In addition to being breathable, the proprietary MemBrain Strata material passed our waterproof tests with flying colors, even when faced with an onslaught of 10 gallons per minute.
  • Ultralight doesn't mean ultrawimpy. In addition to the 100% nylon ripstop that survived icy self-arrests and numerous scrapes across talus, Marmot put abrasion resistant patches on key friction points between the jacket and a pack.
  • The helmet-compatible hood fit comfortably, and the addition of a wire in the brim (one of my favorite features) made it easy to adjust. The hood also easily cinches down while you're not wearing a helmet to keep the elements out.
  • The Specs<br> $200 <br>8.5 oz (men's M, on BACKPACKER scales) <br>Sizes: Men's S-XXL <br>Marmot.com
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The Super Mica is a durable, waterproof/breathable jacket that doesn't even hit nine ounces on the scale. It's loaded with features you'd expect from burlier jackets, but it's so light that you won't even think twice about tossing it in your pack.
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The Super Mica is a durable, waterproof/breathable jacket that doesn't even hit nine ounces on the scale. It's loaded with features you'd expect from burlier jackets, but it's so light that you won't even think twice about tossing it in your pack.

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1

Could not find one for women - any women tried this as a unisex jacket? Disadvantages?
— Cynthia

Marmot hits a lot of sweet spots with me; I use the Marmot Limelite 2 tent; best tent I've owned so far.
— stickman

If its Marmot, its guaranteed to be good stuff. I own many Marmot items, and all are top notch. I'm definitely gonna get me a Super Mica!
— Shawn D.


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